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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Four: Reeds and Rushes
The taxi drove east, exiting the highway and turning into a tree-lined avenue, where the banyan trees on either side formed a lush canopy overhead. The scenery here had a touch of a fairyland feel.
Xue Waiwai remarked that it was all thanks to Zhou Ziyan that they were getting a glimpse of the wealthy lifestyle today.
As they got out of the car, the grand entrance came into view, flanked by two stout, rounded columns. The pillars were inlaid with white jade and gold trim, their yellow and white hues intertwining under the sunlight, casting a soft glow. The display of wealth was evident, yet somehow not off-putting.
Junxi looked up and scanned the ornate door, which seemed to hide another world beyond it. A world she once knew well but now felt unfamiliar…
“What are you standing there for? Don’t act so small-minded like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden. We’ve been formally invited! Come on! Let’s go inside.”
Xue Waiwai linked her arm with Junxi’s, but her momentum was off; as she lifted her foot to ascend the high steps, she stumbled.
Junxi quickly steadied her and teased, “Liu Laolao, hold your ground!”
“…”
The hall's decor was distinctively exquisite, as expected from such careful arrangement; within its uniqueness lay an undeniable warmth.
Zhou Ziyan had invited many people, mostly students from Zijin University. Among those familiar faces, some laughed upon seeing Junxi.
“Did you see that? Everyone acts like they’ve seen the lady of the house when they see you; their smiles are so flattering,” Xue Waiwai said, a cherry perched in her mouth as she leaned closer.
“You have no idea who the male host of this house is and yet you’re talking nonsense.”
“Who else could it be? Isn’t it Zhou Gongzi?”
Junxi shook her head; she knew Zhou Ziyan well enough to understand that every brick and tile in this house could not possibly reflect his taste.
"Wen Junxi!"
A figure flashed by the spiral staircase on the second floor. Junxi didn't catch a clear glimpse, but from the voice and the cheers in the hall, she knew the birthday star had come down.
Zhou Ziyan walked through the crowd and approached Junxi directly. He was still in a black T-shirt and ripped jeans, exuding a carefree vibe, showing no awareness of being the host.
"Where's my gift?" Zhou Ziyan spread his hands.
"Who asks for gifts without even greeting their guests first like you do?"
He laughed, "What kind of guest are you?"
Junxi rolled her eyes at him as he pulled her arm toward the sofa. Xue Waiwai had mysteriously disappeared at some point, seemingly having learned to be considerate.
"How did your interview go today?"
"Why didn't you tell me the new president is... is..." Junxi suddenly found herself at a loss for how to refer to that person.
"What about my uncle? You know him well enough," Zhou Ziyan shrugged, appearing indifferent.
She did know him, but it felt as if he no longer recognized her. His cold gaze was no different from how he would look at a stranger.
Had she changed so much in five years?
Thinking back, she realized she had indeed changed a lot.
"I thought he wouldn't come back," she said softly, afraid that speaking too loudly would make it true.
"If it weren't for my old man personally inviting him, he wouldn't have returned."
Zhou Ziyan walked around the coffee table to get her some food, asking what she wanted while taking the liberty of adding his favorite sweets to her plate.
Suddenly, music filled the hall, and someone called out to Zhou Ziyan from a distance to come dance. He placed the plate in front of Junxi and casually picked up a strawberry, offering it to her mouth.
"Come on, eat something to fill your stomach. I'll be back in a bit."
Junxi didn't move or open her mouth; she just stared at him intently.
Zhou Ziyan frowned, ruffling her bangs with one hand while playfully popping the strawberry into his own mouth.
"So many girls beg me to feed them, yet you’re the only one who doesn’t appreciate it."
Junxi let out a laugh.
"Yes, yes, yes, Zhou Gongzi, you are surrounded by forests; why bother focusing on this decaying tree?"
Her sparkling eyes danced in front of Zhou Ziyan's, and he helplessly replied, "I just happen to like your lack of appreciation. What can I say!"
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